Getting the upper hand
W’house, Arnett look for positive result in first-leg RSPL semi-final
JEROME WAITE, coach of defending champions Arnett Gardens FC, said that the two weeks off they enjoyed from the Red Stripe Premier League (RSPL) were a gift they made the best use of.
The defending champions, like runaway leaders and favourites Portmore United, earned the right of automatic advancement to the semi-final round of the knockout stages of the competition after finishing in the top two on 51 points in the league section.
“That break was time to prepare, and I took the opportunity to make use of it. It also gave individual players who were on the injured list time to get themselves up and ready for the stage,” Waite said in his usual calm manner.
Among the players who needed time to recuperate are influential midfielder Vishinul Harris and attackers Kemal Malcolm and Lennox Russell. Waite would not give anything away regarding the trio except to say that he was hopeful that they will be ready to play a part.
Generally, though, he said that the players were ready. Two who are definitely ready are Marvin Morgan, who has returned to form, and the competition’s next, best scorer, Fabian Reid. Both will benefit from the service that a fit Harris will provide.
One of Arnett Gardens’ areas of concern has been their defensive unit, particularly, the centre, but Waite expressed confidence that they will be fine.
“In our last four games, we have not given up a goal. That is a good sign. We have a lot of players who we can [use to] make the adjustment, so we will be good in that department,” he insisted.
Waterhouse’s Donovan Duckie is just as confident in his charges and is gunning for a positive result in the first leg.
“It is very important for us to get a positive result. We understand how important this first-leg scenario is. We experienced that against Harbour View and saw how crucial that one-goal advantage was,” said Duckie, whose team got the better of Harbour View 3-1 to earn their meeting with Arnett Gardens.
While confident of their chances, Duckie is relaying on the fitness of attacker Cardel Benbow, a key player, especially in the third round of the competition. Benbow, who scored the opening goal in the second-leg quarter-final 2-1 win over Harbour View, was withdrawn in the 21st minute after sustaining an injury.
“Benbow sustained an injury against Harbour View in the second leg. Assessment was made by the medical staff, and there is a 50 per cent chance that he will be able to play. We will make a decision tomorrow,” Duckie said.
As it relates to the other players, he said: “The spirits are pretty high, and we have solidarity, which is key. Motivation is high and has always been good. We are not pressured or overburdened by the importance of the game. We believe in the project and are ready”.
For them to have a positive result, Kemar Beckford, Keithy Simpson, and Mark Miller will have to be on song.